Kahului, Hawaii – December 4, 2012: Today saw light and variable winds give way to returning trades earlier than expected for the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro. Local wildcard qualification heats were run in near flawless conditions, setting the stage for an action packed world tour final and the commencement of men’s round 1.

“Anytime there’s an easterly component in the wind, you have to expect that Maui will deliver”, said KSP live stream commentator Ben Meyer. “It was great to finally see the guys and girls out there ripping at the point. The forecast looks very promising to finish the event in stellar conditions.”

Advancing from the men’s local wildcard qualification rounds were Tiago Candelot 1st, Olivier Sautet 2nd, and Kevin “Top Hat” Senn 3rd. On the women’s side, Oahu native Moona Whyte turned heads with an outstanding performace in her wildcard qualification heat and will join 2nd place local wildcard qualifier Kalia Aguera in the main women’s draw.

Men’s heat 2 between Mitu Monteiro (CPV, F-One), Sky Solbach (USA, North) and Shawn Richman (HI, Naish) was abandoned due to deteriorating winds. Following a brief holding pattern, the Ho’okipa Kite Surf Pro was called off for the day to wait for better conditions to resume competition tomorrow.